In a move that could redefine Nigeria’s political landscape, a draft bill proposing a return to a regional system of government will be submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Authored by Akin Fapohunda of the Yoruba socio-cultural association Afenifere and the Coalition of Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities (CIEN), the bill aims to replace the current federal system with a two-tier government structure comprising federal and regional governments.
Fapohunda stated that the bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with New Governance Model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” seeks to decentralize power and promote regional autonomy to address the country’s political and economic challenges. The proposed regions would have significant powers to manage their affairs, create sub-entities, and adopt their own constitutions, potentially including areas such as Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, and Cross Rivers in the southern region and various other states and regions across Nigeria.
Despite initial disapproval from the House of Representatives, Fapohunda remains optimistic about the bill’s reception. He believes the proposed regional system would promote healthy competition, foster economic development, and reduce the cost of governance. He plans to release the draft bill to the public after a week, hoping for favorable consideration from the President and the National Assembly.